My world was first torn apart when I was in an accident 13 years ago. That intersection changed everything for me: my job, friends, hobbies, personality, limitations, living arrangements, and finances. My whole world was ripped out from underneath me, and I had to rebuild myself from scratch. For a while, I had some stability because I had finances, but things changed again at the end of 2025. Due to my medical conditions, I ended up pleading to one year of probation—having never even had a traffic citation before—just to escape the torment of forty-five days in jail. That experience all but broke me and still gives me nightmares, so I rarely talk about it. When I came out, I had nothing: no job, negative bank accounts, no apartment, friends and family who were upset because they hadn't heard from me, and no boyfriend. I also learned that employers won't hire people on probation.

So I did what had to be done. I took the first and only job that offered me a position. It's commission only, six days a week, and I'm on my feet the majority of the time. I actually enjoy it and the people, but unfortunately, it isn't covering my current bills. My monthly expenses are basic: medication, phone, probation fees, and motel costs. I pay for a motel because I haven't been able to find somewhere safe and affordable to rent without transportation. I've been making as much as I can each week, but I haven't been able to pay the weekly rate, only the higher daily rate. All of this financial daily stress is just making my TBI, anxiety, and depression worse, which triggers my migraines and seizures.

I feel guilty and ashamed asking for help. I was taught never to ask for anything, not even from my parents or family, and never to discuss money or anything I couldn't smile about. But I'm at my end, and I know I can't do it on my own anymore. I'm pleading with you for a helping hand. A little breathing room and hand up if you will. Please, if you can, support me.